Robert Ralph Scrymgeour Hiscox DL (born 4 January 1943)[1] is a British businessman, art collector, and philanthropist. He was chairman of Hiscox Ltd, a firm of Lloyd's of London underwriters, for 43 years until his retirement in 2013.

Robert Hiscox
Born
Robert Ralph Scrymgeour Hiscox

(1943-01-04) 4 January 1943 (age 81)
NationalityBritish
EducationRugby School
Alma materCorpus Christi College, Cambridge
TitleFormer chairman, Hiscox
Term1970–2013
PredecessorRalph Hiscox
Spouses
  • Lucy Mills
  • Lady Julia Meade
Children5 sons
ParentRalph Hiscox

Career

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Hiscox is the son of Ralph Hiscox, who was a founding partner in Roberts & Hiscox in 1946. He was educated at Rugby School, followed by Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, where he earned a degree in economics and law.[2][3] He joined Hiscox Ltd in 1965 as an underwriter of fine art and personal accident insurance.[3]

After his father died in 1970, he took control of the partnership as Anthony Roberts, the other co-founder, moved aside.[3] Roberts & Hiscox gradually incorporated, starting in 1993 by becoming Hiscox plc. It grew from a Lloyd's underwriter to the international insurance company, Hiscox Ltd, headquartered in Bermuda. He was the company's chairman for 43 years until his retirement in 2013, then honorary president until 2017.[4]

Hiscox was deputy chairman of Lloyd's from 1993 to 1995, and helped save it from the brink of collapse.[5]

Philanthropy

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Hiscox is chairman of the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, a charity which works in partnership with Wiltshire Police to provide home security advice for elderly, vulnerable and disadvantaged people throughout Wiltshire.[6]

He has hosted the Wiltshire Steam and Vintage Rally annually in June for a number of years, at Rainscombe Park, Oare, Wiltshire.[7] In 2014, he saved the White Horse Bookshop on Marlborough High Street from closure.[8] He was High Sheriff of Wiltshire in 2011–2012 and a Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire until 2018.[9]

Personal life

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Hiscox was married first to Lucy Mills, and secondly to Lady Julia Meade (third daughter of the 6th Earl of Clanwilliam). He has five sons, and lives in Wiltshire.[10]

References

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  1. ^ Wynn, Sheridan (10 September 2006). "Business Interview: Robert Hiscox, Chairman, Hiscox". The Independent. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  2. ^ "Robert Hiscox – Insurance Day Summit London 2014". insurancedaysummit.com. Retrieved 15 April 2018.
  3. ^ a b c Julia Kollewe. "Robert Hiscox to bow out of insurer after 43 years at helm | Business". The Guardian. Retrieved 29 March 2016.
  4. ^ "Hiscox Partners | Hiscox Corporate". Hiscoxgroup.com. Retrieved 29 March 2016.
  5. ^ "Business Interview: Robert Hiscox, Chairman, Hiscox | The Independent". The Independent. Retrieved 9 September 2016.
  6. ^ "Bobby People". The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
  7. ^ "About Us". WAPG. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  8. ^ "Marlborough's White Horse bookshop saved | The Bookseller". thebookseller.com. Retrieved 9 September 2016.
  9. ^ Deputy Lieutenant Commissions: Lieutenancy of Wiltshire The London Gazette. 4 February 2013.
  10. ^ "The Marcus Scriven profile: Robert Hiscox". The Insurance Insider. 8 March 2012. Retrieved 28 February 2017.